Poor network: Odisha villagers climb atop roof for biometric verification

Keonjhar: Thanks to poor network connectivity, beneficiaries including women have to precariously climb atop the roof of their panchayat office to get their biometrics verified to avail ration under the public distribution system (PDS) in Keonjhar district.

With the help of a wooden ladder, the beneficiaries at Kadakala panchayat under Banspal block were seen climbing the roof as the machines to verify their biometrics is inoperative inside the office due to lack of network connectivity.

The scenes of beneficiaries queuing up and providing their biometrics on the roof of the building can surprise many. But it is a regular exercise here owing to poor network connectivity.

“We have to wait for hours together as there is no proper network connectivity. Sometimes it takes an entire day to complete the formalities to get ration,” said Sabita, a beneficiary.

Though the data of beneficiaries is also available offline, Bhaskar Dehury an official engaged in PDS stated that they have to take the biometrics to ascertain the quantity of rice or wheat required to be provided to individual beneficiary.

Not only public distribution system, other welfare schemes are also being affected due to poor network connectivity.

“Poor mobile network is creating problems for the people here. Particularly, many are not able to contact people including ambulances in case of medical emergencies,” said Pavitra Mohan Pradhan, a teacher.

Pradhan further informed that there are computers in schools but are lying unused.